Why Good Works Aren't Enough

Question 1: What Did the Young Man Ask?

Read the story together:

A man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?' Jesus said, 'If you would enter life, keep the commandments.' The man replied, 'All these I have kept. What do I still lack?' Jesus said, 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

• Ask: What did this man think he had to do to be with God forever?
• Leader Tip: He thought he needed to do a really good deed or work hard to earn it.
• Time: 3 minutes
• If a child goes off-topic: 'That's interesting! Let's look back at the Bible story. What were the man's own words to Jesus?'

Question 2: Can We Be Perfect on Our Own?

The sermon said Jesus wants us to know that being pretty good is not the same as being perfect. God requires perfection because He is perfectly holy.

• Ask: Have you ever tried to be perfect all day? Was it easy or hard?
• Leader Tip: Every kid (and grown-up!) messes up. We sin. That means no one can reach heaven by their own goodness.
• Time: 3 minutes
• If a child says they are good enough: 'You might do lots of kind things, and that pleases God. But Jesus says we need a perfect heart, and only He can give that to us. Let's talk about why that is good news.'

Question 3: How Do We Get Right With God?

The preacher showed us Romans 3:21-25. It says righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our works. It is a gift of grace!

• Ask: If we can't earn it, how do we receive God's perfect goodness?
• Leader Tip: By trusting in Jesus—by faith. Jesus kept the law perfectly for us, died for our sins, and gives us His righteousness as a free gift.
• Time: 3 minutes
• If a child lists good deeds: 'Doing good is important, but the big surprise in the sermon is that salvation is not payment for our work. It is a gift we receive by believing in Jesus. Can you say that in your own words?'

Activity: Draw the Gift

Give each child paper and crayons.

• Task: Draw Jesus handing a giant gift to the rich young ruler. On the gift, write or draw what Jesus gives us that we could never earn—His perfect righteousness, or being right with God.
• Leader Tip: Encourage simple drawings. Write the word 'GIFT' or 'JESUS' if they are struggling with spelling.
• Time: 5 minutes
• If a child draws something unrelated: 'I love your creativity! Now can you add Jesus and the special gift He gives us so it matches today's story?'

Closing Prayer: Thank God that Jesus did what we cannot do, and that we can trust Him to make us right with God.